The Stabili-Bike is: Recumbent Seat Over-running Clutch Internally - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Stabili-Bike Blue A: Mark Cote Courtney Greene Andrew Harlan Albert Hernandez

The Stabili-Bike is: Recumbent Seat Over-running Clutch Internally Geared Hub Gyroscopic Flywheel

Problem/Need n Current bicycle designs are: n Too heavy n Too large/difficult to transport n Very different looking n A stable bike that: n Allows for a greater range of rider skill levels n Teaches balance, and proper riding technique n Unobtrusive appearance

Specific Market n Teenagers (14+) with special needs, esp. U.S. cases of 350,000+ * Down ’ s Syndrome Down ’ s Syndrome n Also useful for anyone who has difficulty balancing on a bicycle Bikes sold 16.6 million † domestically in 2001 n Contact: Tom McElman, Cardinal Cushing School *Source: National Downs Syndrome Society, www.ndss.org †Source: Leage of American Bicyclists: www.bikeleague.org

Design Requirements n Increases stability n Easier to transport n Normalcy n Inexpensive

Main Stability Factors n Fork Angle n Helps keep steering wheel straight and reject unintentional turns n Gyroscopic Forces n Places wheel in correct position during turns n Center of Gravity n Lower = better!

Bike Test Pictures

Bike Test Video

Main Features n Overrunning clutch n Allows flywheel to spin freely n Uninhibited braking n Continual gyroscopic effect n Low-rider design n Seat closer to ground n Provides a lower center of gravity n Gyroscopic Flywheel n Flywheel is powered by user pedaling n Teaches proper balancing techniques

Flywheel Concept

Front Wheel Hub Concept Spoke Interface Center Free-Spinning Bearing One-Way Locking Rod Inter-Locking Hub

Feasibility n Testing gives promising results towards stability n Can easily incorporate flywheel into a stock wheel n Flywheel is human-powered

Questions?